Table of Contents
Introduction
Yes, you read that right—canned chicken nuggets are a thing. And before you raise an eyebrow and back away slowly, hear me out: they’re not just edible, they can actually be delicious. With the right handling, seasoning, and a little kitchen TLC, that humble can of chicken can turn into a crispy, golden bite that’ll make your family think you ordered out.
Hi there, I’m Samuel from Trips Recipes. I know canned meats don’t usually inspire excitement, but when life throws curveballs (or surprise soccer practice at 5:30), recipes like this are kitchen gold. Think of it as fast food from your pantry—budget-friendly, fast, and surprisingly satisfying.
Ingredients You Will Need
Most of these are pantry staples you probably already have. That’s the whole point, right?
For the Nuggets:
- 1 (12.5 oz) can of cooked chicken breast (drained well)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plus more for coating)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking:
- Olive oil spray or a bit of butter
- Optional: dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or barbecue
How to Make Canned Chicken Nuggets
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture
Drain the canned chicken very well—this is key. Then shred it with a fork or your hands until it’s no longer chunky. In a bowl, mix it with the egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Step 2: Shape the Nuggets
The mixture will be a bit wet, so dampen your hands before shaping it into small nugget-sized patties. If it feels too loose, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat and Crisp
Roll each nugget in a shallow dish of breadcrumbs for that golden coating. Arrange on a lined baking sheet or air fryer tray and spray lightly with olive oil.
Step 4: Cook
- To Bake: Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- To Air Fry: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
- To Pan-Fry: Heat a little butter or oil in a skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain It Like You Mean It: Squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel if needed. Dry chicken = crispy nuggets.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce, paprika, or even a little mustard powder to the mix for extra kick.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or a quick homemade coleslaw.
- Freezer Friendly: You can freeze shaped, uncooked nuggets and cook them straight from frozen—just add 5 more minutes.
For more Chicken Nugget methods, check out the following
- Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Chicken Nugget Nachos
- Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Ground Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets
You can visit our Facebook Page for more choices: Trips Recipes
Look, canned chicken nuggets might not sound glamorous, but they’re practical, fast, and totally weeknight-worthy. They’re great for busy moms, students, or anyone who just wants something hot, crispy, and comforting without spending an hour in the kitchen.
So the next time you see that can of chicken in your pantry, don’t dismiss it—transform it. Your taste buds (and your grocery budget) will thank you.
FAQs About canned chicken nuggets
How do you air fry chicken nuggets from canned chicken?
It’s easy! First, drain the canned chicken really well and mix it with an egg, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings. Shape into nugget-sized pieces, coat with extra breadcrumbs, and lightly spray with oil. Place them in the air fryer at 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get crispy, golden nuggets without the grease.
Is canned chicken healthy?
Yes—canned chicken can be a healthy option, especially when you’re short on time. It’s typically high in protein, low in fat, and made from real chicken breast. Just watch out for added sodium in some brands. Choosing a low-sodium or no-salt-added variety makes it a smart, convenient protein source for quick meals.
Can I eat canned chicken straight out the can?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is fully cooked, so it’s safe to eat right out of the can—no heating required. That said, giving it a little flavor upgrade (like seasoning or mixing it into a recipe) can really help enhance the taste and texture.
How do you get the canned taste out of canned chicken?
To reduce that distinct “canned” flavor, drain the chicken thoroughly and give it a quick rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Then, add bold seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, or even a splash of hot sauce. Cooking it—like in nuggets or casseroles—also helps mellow out that canned taste.